Camping Alaska

There's nothing quite like a scenic camping vacation in Alaska. Here are some tips.

If you're looking for total seclusion and little evidence of other campers in the park, this is the place for you. Gates of the Arctic has no roads in the park, and all access to the park is gained daily by air taxi from Fairbanks. This area entirely undeveloped and provides close up encounters with wildlife, including sheep, caribou, wolves and bear. There is no fee to camp on the grounds.

With 10 walk-in summer camping sites and 3 back country cabins on Alaska's coastline, this is a beautiful, tourist friendly place to set up home for a night. Located 130 miles south of Anchorage, you'll find lots to see and do here, including hiking, biking and fishing. This park is handicap accessible.

Close to historic downtown, this is a nice middle-of-the-road campground that isn't too wild for the non-outdoorsmen in the family. This park has an RV and car wash facility on site, as well as amenities like firewood and ice.

If you want to hit Denali National Park while in Alaska, but don't want to worry about keeping food from wildlife, this is the spot for you. Denali Riverside RV Park is the closest full service private RV Park to the entrance of Denali National Park. Overlooking the Nenana River and surrounded by mountains, you'll enjoy the view and some of the luxuries from home. Picnic tables and firepits are located at each site and discounts apply for those staying 3 or more nights.

Located right on the beat in Coffman Cove, Alaska, this spot has been nicknamed "Alaska's hidden secret." Bear, eagles, deer and river otters will share your territory and the fishing is excellent. Scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing is also available. If you want adventure and beauty, don't miss this area!

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is a remnant of the land bridge that once connected Asia with North America. More than just a lesson in history, this is a nice spot to call home for a few days. Located on the Seward peninsula, camping, hiking, backpacking and coastal boating are all at your fingertips. Since the park is open year round, you'll also want to take part in dog sledding, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. This park is packed with things to do and see. A great spot for large families!

You won't be pampered while visiting Alagnak Wild River. You will, however, be challenged and in awe. This coastline area offers primitive camping so remote, you'll think you've landed on a desert island. There's no cost for camping here and visitors are encouraged to fish the river, boat and observe the wildlife in action. True Daniel Boone's will love this!

Covering nearly 4-million acres, this park's scenery stretches from the shores of Cook Inlet, across the Chigmit Mountains, to the hills of the Western interior. Awesome views for mountains, glaciers and two active volcanoes. No admission fees are charged for campers and no roads lead into the park. You must either hike into this camp area on a one mile trail or catch a ride with the locals.

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS
PO Box 439
Copper Center, AK 99573
(907)784-3295

Known as the "mountain kingdom of North America," this is the largest unit of the National Park System in Alaska. Just a day's drive east of Anchorage, this park contains the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers and peaks. The State of Alaska runs a campground along the Richardson Hwy entrance to the park and you're also welcome to camp anywhere inside the park.

CARLO CREEK
HC2 Box 1530
Healy, AK 99743
(907)683-2576

This is a family run park which caters to both cabin lovers and tenters. Equipment rentals (including tents) are available on the grounds. All campsites are covered, have a picnic table, firepit and grill. Eight showers are also available. If you're looking for a cozy environment, this will fit the bill.